There are plenty of opportunities to combine an African safari with a spot of fishing. Whether you want to try your hand targeting the pelagic species cruising the Indian Ocean off Kenya’s coast or casting to tigerfish in the Zambezi valley we’ve something to suggest.
Kenya – Perhaps Africa’s best known safari destination, Kenya hosts all the iconic wildlife. You could safari here multiple times and not see all that’s on offer. Classic East African-style tented camps and lodges are scattered throughout reserves and national parks. On the coast, you’ll find white sandy beaches, interesting culture and a great range of watersports. A Kenyan safari combined with some time on the beach is a match made in heaven. There’s saltwater fishing from Hemingways near Malindi – one of the world’s most prolific sailfish fisheries – and good sport fishing from Manda Bay in Kenya’s Lamu archipelago. Head to Kinondo Kwetu on the south coast and you’ll find a delightful beach lodge within easy reach of some of Kenya’s best sailfish and marlin fishing. Trout fishing on Mount Kenya is also fun. All combine perfectly with a safari.
Zambia – Pristine wilderness, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife characterise this superb safari destination. The birdlife is fabulous and it’s a known hotspot for leopard, lion and elephant. Remote camps scatter the bush, it’s great for walking safaris and a really off the beaten track holiday. Stay at Chiawa or Chongwe (including a superb private house) on the Zambezi River and you can combine tiger fishing with knowledgeable guides, and an incredible safari. If you want more of a dedicated fishing lodge then Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge is a good shout. Set in the upper Zambezi River, it’s in great ‘tiger country’ with really good fishing between March and December.
Zimbabwe – Full of excellent national parks and home of the continent’s most charismatic guides, Zimbabwe offers a huge range of safari activities. There are impressive herds of elephant, good populations of lion and leopard, and plenty of plains game. The walking is excellent and there are also plenty of opportunities to get out on the water to see the wildlife from a different perspective. Several lodges offer fishing but Fothergill, on the shores of Lake Kariba is one of our favourites. It’s a good spot for safari but also excellent if you want to try your hand fishing for tigerfish.
Namibia – The spectacular deserts and dunes of Namibia’s starkly beautiful landscapes are home to a plethora of desert adapted species. From the rugged Skeleton Coast to the salt pans of Etosha National Park you’ll find elephant, lion, rhino and plenty of plains wildlife eking out an existence amid the arid conditions. Camping under the stars, walking, riding and mobile safaris are great ways to appreciate all on offer here. Head north towards the Botswana border and you’ll find a totally different landscape, punctuated by the waterways of the Caprivi Strip. Explore the islands and channels here by boat and you’ll find a world inhabited by colourful birdlife, hippo, crocodile, water buffalo and various antelope species. There’s some excellent fishing too with lodges like Chobe Savanna Lodge, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge and Kaza Safari Lodge offering fishing for tigerfish, bream, tilapia and African pike.
If you would like more ideas on combining an African safari with fishing, please contact Charlotte Chilcott or Lucinda Rome at our sister company, and safari specialist, Ganders Travel.